Ashley's Weekly Post - AVOCADO
Do you LOVE or hate avocado? 🙋🏼♀️ (I generally don't find too many people in the middle of the spectrum.) In years past, I used to be much less adventurous with my food selection. In fact, despite all of the touted health benefits of avocado, I had a hard time CHOOSING a food that: 😝 When considered perfectly ripe looks rotten by the exterior 🥴 Requires some sort of expert dissection method to remove the large boulder (pit) in the middle and retain all of the good stuff 🤢 Once mashed resembles things like boogers and baby poop by color and consistency So when I see/hear people's reactions to avocado, I'm never surprised, because I've been there myself. BUT, that's also why I know that this negative perspective is changeable...& TOTALLY WORTH IT! 💯 FUN FACTS 🥑 Avocado is a fruit, classified as a berry with the single, large pit 🥑 Avocado is also known as an 'alligator pear' NUTRITION ✔️ Fiber - up to 10mg per avocado ✔️ Fat (22g Fat > 13g Carbohydrate) - cholesterol free, heart healthy fat ✔️ Vitamins B, C, E, K ✔️ Folate ✔️ Potassium ✔️ Magnesium ✔️ Carotenoids ✨ Avocado consumption has been associated with positive health outcomes, including - eye health, skin health, eye health, lower cardiovascular disease risk, healthy blood pressure, management and prevention of type 2 diabetes, improved microbiome (gut health) & digestion, brain health & cognitive function, anti-aging, calcium absorption & bone health, immunity boost, oxidative stress protection, & a strengthened immune system! 💪🏼 🥑 AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE Ingredients: - 1 avocado, mashed - shredded chicken - red onion, finely diced - cilantro, chopped to your preference - salt - pepper Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Salt & pepper to your preference. ENJOY! *Optional - add red grapes &/or diced celery 🥑 CREATIVE WAYS TO ENJOY AVOCADO Add them to salads, smoothies, or sandwiches Spread on whole grain bread/toast Blend into creamy dressings or dips (Guacamole) Enjoy as a topping on soups, chili, or rice bowls